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Monitor Weather – thanks to the internet we are able to track weather conditions via radar systems through the www.weather.com. This site allows us to see what storms are approaching and their potential impact on our site. A staff member checks conditions throughout the day. At breakfast we give a weather update to all counselors and program leaders and continue to update staff on changing conditions throughout the day. A groups activities will change depending on pending weather conditions.
- Communication – we have a weather siren posted at the Program Center to sound an alarm to all staff in the event of a weather, or non-weather emergency. In addition, we communicate with staff via two-way radios and cell phones. No matter where a group might travel, on-site or off, at least one staff member has contact with the Program Center.
- Centralized Camp – unlike Boy Scout camps, Camp Shalom is a centralized program. Our cabins are approximately 50 – 75 yards from storm shelters. During an early morning test of our warning system we were able to get all campers and staff to safety within 5 minutes. When it rains at camp, all program activities are moved indoors to the areas that serve as our storm shelters.
- Storm Shelters – there are three buildings that serve as storm shelters at Camp Shalom. The Program Center is the main shelter. Its walls are poured concrete. Elementary age campers use this building during rainy conditions and the basement serves as shelter for sever weather. The Outpost Pavilion serves as the storm shelter for junior high campers. The bathrooms of this structure were built with double cinder block walls with concrete and rebar running through the center. This area is the shelter for sever weather conditions. The Charis House serves as the third storm shelter. We use this area as an emergency when campers are at the low ropes area of camp.
- Off-Site Shelters – When campers are at the Maquoketa pool, the YMCA serves as the storm shelter. Other trips off-site are typically canceled if serious weather is in the area.
- Training – all of our staff are trained in our emergency procedures and maintain current certifications in First Aid and CPR.
No camp can be completely protected from severe weather, but we feel Camp Shalom is as well protected as any facility. If you have any further questions please call the camp office.
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